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‘The people telling me these fellows don’t have a heart’- Eileene L. Parsons OBE

- said the late Omar W. Hodge was an exemplary man who loved & cared for people
Former Legislator and National Democratic Party (NDP) spokeswoman Eileene L. Parsons OBE has said people have been telling her the NDP Government is heartless. Photo: VINO/File
It was on March 4, 2017 that the Virgin Islands Party, under its Chairman Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right, honoured one of its Founding Members, Mr Omar W. Hodge, left. Photo: Provided/File
It was on March 4, 2017 that the Virgin Islands Party, under its Chairman Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right, honoured one of its Founding Members, Mr Omar W. Hodge, left. Photo: Provided/File
Jeremy W. Hodge, left, the son of the late Omar W. Hodge, and Opposition Leader Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right. were two of the guests on Honestly Speaking on January 16, 2018. Photo: Provided
Jeremy W. Hodge, left, the son of the late Omar W. Hodge, and Opposition Leader Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right. were two of the guests on Honestly Speaking on January 16, 2018. Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Former legislator and member of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) Eileene L. Parsons OBE has taken a swipe at the NDP regime, saying on the Honestly Speaking show aired January 16, 2018 on ZBVI 780 AM that unlike politicians of today, the late Omar W. Hodge had a heart.

Ms Parsons was at the time a guest of the show that was dedicated to reflecting on the life of the fallen political veteran, who was fondly known as the 'People's Man'.

Also on the panel were Leader of the Opposition and Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and son of the late Hodge, Mr Jeremy W. Hodge. The host of the show was Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline.

"What I would cherish about my friend is that he was a decent person. Omar had a heart...Politicians, people keep telling me Andrew, them boy ain’t got no heart. Omar Hodge had a heart," Ms Parsons stated.

The former legislator and cultural icon related that she and Mr Hodge shared a very close friendship and he would frequently visit her at her home.

She noted too that when she was in active politics Mr Hodge was always kind to her.

According to Ms Parsons, Mr Hodge even supported her financially after she had her legs amputated.

"Lo and behold he called me and he said I have something for you and he said where could I find you....it was a cheque. Omar made certain that every month he gave me a little something," Ms Parsons disclosed.

She lamented that the Territory is worst off because Mr Hodge has passed on. "…and I don’t know if he could be replaced because I have to repeat, the people are telling me these fellows don’t have a heart, they play they don’t know when you suffering," a statement that seemed to be directed to the current members of Government.

Caring, loving, honest, firm

During the show, all the panelists shared some of their fondest experiences with Mr Hodge.

Of all the attributes given, the words caring, loving, honest and firm stood out about Mr Hodge.

All the panelists agreed that the late legislator loved people regardless of race, colour, creed or origin and he dedicated his life to making a difference in their lives.

Ms Parsons also shared that Hon Hodge was a type of friend that you could trust and not have to "look over your shoulders."

Stories were also shared about how Hon Hodge intervened to help expatriates who were being threatened with deportation or being unfairly treated at their places of work.

It was noted that Hon Hodge was a man of conviction too and was willing to "go it alone" even when he did not get the support from his colleagues.

Mr Hodge died on December 20, 2017 after a short illness.

The former legislator, who has many accomplishments for the Territory to his name, was 75 years of age at the time of his passing. The ‘People’s Man’, as he was affectionately known after some 32 years in elective office, is survived by three children and his wife Dr Miriam Rodriguez Hodge.

The body of the late Hodge is currently lying in state at the House of Assembly building in Road Town and persons have being filing in to pay their respects.

Mr Hodge will be laid to rest tomorrow January 18, 2018.

17 Responses to “‘The people telling me these fellows don’t have a heart’- Eileene L. Parsons OBE”

  • nonsense (17/01/2018, 15:55) Like (16) Dislike (6) Reply
    As you dead, you good! Human beings are true pieces of shit when they ready. Sickening!
    • wize up (17/01/2018, 16:18) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
      @ nonsense: ain’t your fault and you have my deepest sympathy because the Omar Wallace Hodge that I know for 50 year was a good human being and looks out for his people: but everyone in this territory is entitled to an opinion and that includes you opinion....why don’t you form a part with you bad self
  • trrefdrfds (17/01/2018, 16:11) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes nap wicked and unkind even ms p admitting it now
  • DON Q (17/01/2018, 17:14) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    He will be missed
  • belonger (17/01/2018, 18:53) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Hon. Hodge didn't get the name "The People's Man" for nothing, he was truly a political giant by his actions and caring for ppl. He fought tirelessly for the rights of people including Virgin Islanders and no- Virgin Islanders alike, he transformed Purcell Estate from a wooden border town known back in those days as Little St. Kitts into a modern estate now equipped with contrete roads and homes. He upgrade sporting facilities in Purcell, Baughers Bay and Belle Vue as well as roads and homes so ppl could be more comfortable in their surroundings, fighting for expats to reside and get citizenship here, once they behave themselves as he would say. So the ppls man is a true Champion for justice and equality.
  • Truth that (17/01/2018, 19:12) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    The people are not lying.. My problem is the women in the party. Women are usually caring, loving and have that family and community consciousness. .Just like U Ms P. Does..Why are they not living up to their motherly, family, community and women purpose? We just can't find good Politicians..
  • Ja rules (17/01/2018, 20:23) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
    This woman going to hell and trying to make things sound good on her side because of this good man just let she go to hell
    • @ ja rules (18/01/2018, 05:35) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      you are no judge so your blog about Ms. Parsons and her going to hell are complete nonsense.
  • Charley Rose (17/01/2018, 22:07) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    I feltl the frustration in Miss P when she made the remarks on the show to pay tribute to the late Omar Wallice Hodge. No other person could be so forthright to address such issues. She spoke from her heart when she refer to these politicians of the ruling NDP as heartless people. This group of individuals considered them selves to be the elite class of people and would not want to associate with people of lower significance.

    I have good news for them because the next General Election I will ensure that none of them gets re-elected. It is for that reason they do not visit the lower class of individuals except election time
  • soo (18/01/2018, 05:31) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lots of thoughtful replies here, but again miss P is right and Mr. Hodge is a good man
  • Moka (18/01/2018, 05:44) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Bottomline: I am not discovering anything new from what Ms E L. P said. Its time for the NDP to be chase out of Town
  • Laura (18/01/2018, 05:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    But Eileene How is this new information?
    • @Laura (18/01/2018, 09:45) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      Please stop using my name thank you!
      • dog (18/01/2018, 14:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I feel for you. someone using mine for a while and I have seen others complain of fake names. make up your own and quit stealing others!!
  • TurtleDove (18/01/2018, 06:01) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is exhausting keeping up with the “replacing the NDP and the civil war” subject.
  • just asking... (19/01/2018, 22:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So what is the political calculus?


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